Sheridan Smith to reunite with ex James Corden for epic Gavin and Stacey finale

Sheridan Smith is reportedly set to sign a deal to appear in the final episode of Gavin and Stacey, insiders claim.

It's believed that the script penned by creators James Corden and Ruth Jones for the show's finale does feature Sheridan's character, Ruth 'Rudi' Smith, who is the sister of the iconic Smithy in the beloved British sitcom.

Sources close to the BBC series suggest that informal talks with the star have commenced, despite speculation she might not return.

The TV contract, coming after Sheridan's West End production Opening Night closed two months ahead of schedule, will likely shock fans as she was absent from the 2019 Christmas Special, the Mirror reports.

An insider revealed: "The script for Gavin and Stacey: The Finale includes all of the show's major players - including Smithy's sister Rudi. Nothing has been signed and conversations are still very much ongoing - especially as the filming date has not been set.

"But all of the stops are being pulled out to make sure the whole cast are there, and in the coming weeks the production team hope to pin down everyone's availability.

"Sheridan and James are still friendly - they recently bumped into each other at the Variety Club Awards and got on really well. So the hope is that she will be able to be part of it."

They continued: "She did not appear in the Christmas Special because her character was not part of that storyline, but it has been a different story this time around.

"Everyone is very excited about this episode - it is going to be a phenomenal last hurrah for the series, which is exactly what it deserves."

James, 45, and Ruth, 57, sent fans into a frenzy last month when they posted a snapshot of a script for Gavin and Stacey: The Finale - five years after viewers witnessed Nessa pop the question to Smithy in the 2019 Christmas Special's cliffhanger.

The original series, which started on BBC2 before being promoted to the main channel, aired three series from 2007 to 2010. It starred Ruth and James as Nessa and Smithy, with Matt Horne playing Gavin and Joanna Page as Stacey.

The show centred around the title characters' efforts to maintain their relationship despite their families being divided between Billericay, Essex and Barry Island in Wales.

However, actress Sheridan also became a fan favourite as his character's outspoken sister - who, much to his annoyance, also insisted on being referred to as Smithy.

The TV siblings recorded a rap duet to the track American Boy, which has since become one of the programme's most memorable scenes.

Their mostly contentious on-screen relationship also yielded some surprisingly tender moments, such as Ruth telling Smithy in one episode: "You ain't heavy, you're my brother."

Away from the cameras, Sheridan and James began dating in 2007 but appeared to part ways in 2008, when James was questioned about his relationship status and responded: "It's complicated."

They later reconciled, but permanently separated in 2009. James, who had previously labelled Sheridan as "the love of his life", later revealed that the split left him feeling "heartbroken and lost".

However, soon after he met his wife Julia Carey and the couple went on to have three children together, Max, Carey and Charlotte.

On the other hand, Sheridan, who has a son named Billy with her ex-boyfriend Jamie Horn, recently ended her relationship with her boxer boyfriend Dave 'Rocky' Ryan.

Representatives chose not to comment last night.

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